Arsenal open talks with Birmingham City over move for defender Scott Dann

11 August 2011 10:15

By Brendan McLoughlin

11:15AM BST 11 Aug 2011

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Arsenal's move for Dann comes as skipper Cesc Fabregas prepares to complete his protracted move to Barcelona for £35 million, although a fee is yet to be agreed on for the centre-back.

Manager Arsene Wenger has made strengthening his defence a priority for the new campaign and has been closely monitoring both Dann and Gary Cahill of Bolton Wanderers.

It is 24-year-old Dann he has made his move for, though, after Arsenal assistant manager Pat Rice and chief scout Steve Rowley were impressed by his performance in a behind-closed doors friendly against Tottenham Hotspur last week.

Dann has also attracted attention from Liverpool, who could yet make a move, however manager Kenny Dalglish is understood to be under instructions to offload players - the most obvious being Alberto Aquilani - first.

Furthermore, Stoke City have already seen a joint-bid for the defender and striker Cameron Jerome rejected.